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Molde logo
Europa League | Group Stage
Dec 3, 2020 at 8pm UK
Aker Stadion
Dundalk

Molde
3 - 1
Dundalk

Wolff Eikrem (30'), Omoijuanfo (41'), Ellingsen (67')
Rode Gregersen (52'), Risa (84'), Knudtzon (90+2')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Flores (90+4')
Gartland (66')

Sean Hoare: 'We can have no excuses on Molde's artificial pitch'

The Irish side have travelled to Norway for the penultimate game of their Europa League campaign after four straight defeats.

Sean Hoare believes Dundalk can have "no excuses" about the artificial pitch at Molde's Aker Stadion as it reminds the defender of the surface used by the Irish side at Oriel Park.

Dundalk have travelled to Norway for the penultimate game of their Europa League campaign knowing there is only pride to play for as four straight defeats mean they will almost certainly finish bottom of Group B.

But while others would have some trepidation at the prospect of playing on the artificial turf at Molde's home ground, Hoare believes it will present no problem to his side.

"It's a lovely stadium," Hoare said on Dundalk's website. "It's enclosed on each side and there's no wind or anything getting in so we're looking forward to it.

"It's similar to our own pitch back home so we'll have no excuses."

While Molde will be overwhelming favourites to improve their aim of qualifying for the knockout stages, Dundalk come into the fixture with some confidence after thumping Athlone Town in the FAI Cup last weekend.

Molde prevailed when the sides met in Dublin in October, a match Hoare missed because of injury, and the centre-back knows Dundalk will have to be at their best to end their losing run in Europe.

"They're a really good, powerful side," Hoare said. "At this level, you're going to be up against really good teams and we struggled in the second half of the game. It looked like we just ran out of steam.

"They have an extra gear in them and they upped it so we'll have to ensure we're up for it across 90 minutes, stay tight defensively and try and hit them down the sides on the counter."

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A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
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Group A

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QWest Ham650115
QFreiburg640212
3Olympiacos62137
4Backa Topola60151

Group B

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QBrighton641113
QMarseille632111
3Ajax61235
4AEK Athens61144

Group C

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QRangers632111
QSparta Prague631210
3Betis63039
4Aris Limassol61144

Group D

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QAtalanta642014
QSporting Lisbon632111
3Sturm Graz61144
4Rakow61144

Group E

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QLiverpool640212
QToulouse632111
3Union SG62228
4LASK61053

Group F

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QVillarreal641113
QRennes640212
3M. Haifa61235
4Panathinaikos61144

Group G

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QSlavia Prague650115
QRoma641113
3Servette61235
4Sheriff Tiraspol60151

Group H

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QB. Leverkusen660018
QQarabag631210
3Molde62137
4Hacken60060


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